Up Next

Barcelona Terror attack: Aussies injured

Barcelona Terror attack: Aussies injured

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has confirmed three Australians have been hurt when a van mowed people down in a popular tourist spot, killing more than a dozen people and injuring around one hundred more.

Calombaris pleads guilty to assault

Sir Zelman Cowen dies

Sir Zelman Cowen, who was appointed Governor General after the sacking of Gough Whitlam, dies aged 92.

One of Australia's most distinguished constitutional lawyers and academics, Sir Zelman was appointed by Malcolm Fraser in 1977 to the vice-regal post, which critics believed had been politicised by the controversial sacking, and he won respect from both sides.

Mr Fraser last night told The Age that Sir Zelman had ''restored Australia's faith in the office of Governor-General''.

Sir Zelman Cowen was respected by all sides of politics. Photo: Simon O'Dwyer

''He took over the position at a more difficult time than any other governor-general and served in the role with great distinction,'' Mr Fraser said. ''He worked extremely hard to see as much as he could and to talk to as many Australians as possible.''

Mr Fraser said Sir Zelman also made an enormous contributions to academia and universities.

Advertisement

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said: ''Sir Zelman Cowen was a great Australian. He served his country in so many ways, from being a naval officer in the Second World War to his period as governor-general. His public service touched so many, he will be sorely missed.''

Despite his weighty career, he also had a popular touch, for example, appearing on panel programs in the early
years of television.

After four-and-a-half years at Yarralumla he became Provost of Oriel College, Oxford, from 1982 to 1990. Back in Australia he was a member of the board of Fairfax, which owns The Age, including a period as chairman.